Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe has opened up on the “intense” discussions he has had with Aston Martin Formula 1 boss Adrian Newey.
The Japanese marque will power Aston Martin during the sport’s newest era, having supplied power units that won Red Bull six titles between 2019 and 2024.
During that period, Watanabe had the chance to work with Newey, who departed his long-standing post with Red Bull last May prior to moving to Aston Martin.
“We laughed a lot in the first meeting after he joined Aston Martin Aramco – it was very much a case of: ‘Well, here we are again!’” Watanabe quipped to Aston Martin.
“It’s very exciting that he’s here and, of course, there is huge respect for him and his capabilities,” Watanabe added.
A partnership based on success
Watanabe disclosed that their working relationship is defined by productive debates, with both parties unafraid to share their true thoughts on each other’s ideas.
“Adrian is one of the people I communicate with frequently. And it’s often a quite intense exchange of opinions, suggestions and feedback. But always with the focus on winning,” he said.
Those exchanges are focused on ensuring a competitive AMR26. Honda is following its own timeline for the development of its power unit.
Meanwhile, Newey has been designing the chassis concept since joining the team in early 2025. The integration of those two elements has become a key focus.
“In terms of power unit development, we have our processes and timetable for making a power unit that is capable and competitive,” he explained.
“Adrian has been working from day one on doing the same for the chassis – so we’re working very closely and communicating a great deal at the point where those two things meet.”
According to Watanabe, their conversations extend well beyond technical drawings.
Most discussions are focused on the long-term success of the team. With neither party willing to compromise on long-term performance gains, for short-term success.
“Whenever we’re having a technical discussion about components or development, it’s always with the long-term focus on how we get the win,” he said.
“And that can be about anything: it might be a very detailed design issue, but equally it might be about competitor analysis, or how to manage people to get the best out of them, or even finance and using the limitations of the cost cap most effectively.”
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